Overview & Reviews
For most of its lifespan, the Honda Odyssey has been a favored pick among minivans. Although the vehicle had a rather humble debut, it quickly hit its stride once Honda came out with the second-generation model, which featured a spacious cabin and an innovative third-row seat that folds into the floor. Now in its fourth generation, the Odyssey is one of the top minivans currently available.
The Honda Odyssey has made a strong showing, usually earning top honors in every minivan comparison test we've held. There are other minivans that rival the Odyssey's family-friendly features, but the Honda combines those attributes with confident driving dynamics and a long-standing record of reliability, making it an all-around family favorite.
Current Honda Odyssey
The fittingly popular Honda Odyssey comes in five trim levels: LX, EX, EX-L, Touring and Touring Elite. All Honda Odysseys are powered by a 248-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 matched to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The entry-level LX's standard features include a power driver seat, a 60/40-split-folding third-row seat, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a rearview camera, Pandora interface and a USB/iPod interface. The EX's additional highlights include power-sliding side doors, keyless ignition and entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction second-row seat and an upgraded audio system. The EX-L's enhancements include a power liftgate, a sunroof, leather upholstery and heated seats. The Touring adds front and rear parking sensors, navigation and a rear-seat entertainment system. The Touring Elite's added highlights include xenon headlights, an integrated vacuum cleaner and upgraded audio and video entertainment systems.
On the road, the Odyssey impresses thanks to its smooth V6 and relatively agile handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasts tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. Compared to previous Odyssey generations, the current model is significantly quieter on the road, but the button-heavy cockpit remains. All things considered, the Odyssey remains a favorite of Edmunds editors.
Used Honda Odyssey Models
The fourth and latest generation of the Honda Odyssey debuted for 2011. Completely redesigned and compared to the previous generation, it has sleeker styling, a roomier interior, improved fuel economy and new features. For 2013, the LX standard features list grew with the addition of a rearview camera, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity and a USB/iPod interface. Note that these Odysseys lack the current version's updated exterior and interior styling, six-speed automatic on LX, EX and EX-L models (they previously had a five-speed automatic) and availability of a Pandora interface, HD radio and an in-vehicle vacuum cleaner.
The previous (third-generation) Honda Odyssey was produced from 2005-'10. Trim levels included the LX, EX, EX-L and Touring. Motivation was supplied by a 244-hp 3.5-liter V6 mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The V6 found in the EX-L and Touring trim levels had a variable cylinder management system to improve fuel economy.
The LX featured full power accessories, cruise control, side curtain airbags, stability control and a CD player. The EX added alloy wheels, eight-passenger seating, power-sliding doors, a power driver seat, a six-disc CD changer, in-floor storage with a "lazy Susan" and second-row sunshades. The EX-L brought leather seating, heated seats, a power tailgate and a sunroof. The Touring added triple-zone climate control, power-adjustable pedals, foglights, parking sensors, a removable second-row center console and run-flat tires. A rear entertainment system and a navigation system with Bluetooth were optional on the EX-L and Touring.
In reviews, we found this Odyssey to be a top minivan thanks to its smooth V6, responsive steering and secure handling. Inside, Honda's minivan boasted tight build quality and spacious, comfortable seating areas. At the time, downsides included elevated road noise and, as the years went on, a somewhat dated interior.
There were only minor changes for the third-generation Odyssey, with 2008 bringing minor exterior styling updates and new convenience features, and 2009 seeing a standard power liftgate debut for the EX-L as well as integrated Bluetooth for the optional navigation system.
The second-generation Honda Odyssey was available from 1999-2004. It was powered by a 3.5-liter V6 initially rated at 210 hp (from 1999-2001) and later cranked up to 240 hp (2002-'04). The transmission was a four-speed automatic until '02, when a five-speed automatic debuted. This Odyssey boasted dual sliding rear doors in place of the first generation's swinging doors, and it was considerably larger overall, but it retained the original model's trick fold-flat third-row seat. In the all-important safety department, antilock brakes were standard from the get-go, though rear disc brakes only became standard across the lineup in 2002. Side curtain airbags arrived for '02 as well.
Two trim levels were available, each with seven-passenger seating: LX and EX. The LX came standard with air-conditioning, cruise control, a tilt steering wheel, full power accessories and an AM/FM/CD stereo (earlier models had only a tape deck). The EX added traction control (not provided for the LX until '01) as well as luxuries like alloy wheels, power-sliding rear doors, automatic climate control and a multifunction steering wheel. EX options included a navigation system (not available in 1999), a rear-seat entertainment system (from '02 onward) and leather upholstery.
In reviews, our editors remarked on the second-generation Odyssey's best-in-class performance, which came courtesy of a powerful V6 and a capable all-independent suspension. We also lauded the Odyssey's large cabin, available power-sliding doors and that slick hide-away third-row seat. Throughout its six-year run, Honda's second-generation Odyssey was quite simply the one to get. It won the Editors' Most Wanted award every year from 1999-2003 for the minivan category.
The first-generation Honda Odyssey, which debuted in 1995, had a few features that, for better or worse, made it unique. Instead of sliding doors on the sides, the Odyssey had four conventional swing-open doors with roll-down windows. And although the competition offered V6 engines, the Honda didn't. An inline-4 borrowed from the Accord EX powered the Odyssey. With VTEC variable valve timing and lift, it made a respectable 140 hp. But good as it was, 140 wasn't enough power when the Odyssey was loaded up with kids or cargo. The van did, however, offer a highly functional fold-flat third-row seat. This feature has proven invaluable to -- and highly popular with -- minivan buyers over the past decade.
User Reviews:
Showing 931 through 940 of 3,253.00-
Excellent - 2009 Honda Odyssey
By happy - January 29 - 12:17 pmInterior comfort is unrivaled. This is my second Odyssey. First was a 2001. Drove it until wrecked this year on the highway. Wife stopped in traffic when she was plowed at 55 mph from behind. Pushed her into a semi. Car is crushed, she is fine! The updates like the rearview mirror backup camera are awesome. Considered a volvo XC90 but it doesnt remotely have the room of the odyssey. Kids can ride in comfort on long trips. Car has every airbag in the world. Auto sliding doors auto sunroof sliding door windows now go down! Now a power lift gate too! Air/heat controls for all three rows of seats. Only complaint is cupholders too far away for little ones in the second row to use
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We Love Our Ody - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Occam49 - January 28 - 5:53 pmThe only knock I can give this fine vehicle is the road noise. This probably from the tires. No problems except a broken A/C radiator which was hit by rock kicked up on the freeway. The dealer fixed at no charge even though it was not a equipment failure. I dont know how much VCO helps mileage but it must since it is active even while cruising at 70 mph.
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Wont Buy Another - 2007 Honda Odyssey
By Harry - January 28 - 7:13 amWe have NEVER been so dissatisfied with this purchase. Traded a 2002 Sienna w/60K that had better gas mileage and was TROUBLE FREE. Tried trading this unit back in to two different Honda dealers, now with 8K. BOTH will only offer 4K BELOW TRADE! Must be because of the maintenance history! Engine throttle appears low, was reprogrammed, still the same. Windows fog on wet days, takes forever to defog. Headliner coming apart at windshield. Sunglass holder broke. Stone dead battery at only 5K. Have had SEVERAL electrical issues, shorted out headlamp switch and relays. Sometimes doors dont unlock. We wish we still had our old Toyota! What a mistake buying this van!
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love my honda - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By queenyv - January 27 - 10:00 amLove this vehicle. Only one that drives like a car. Tray beside driver seat an A+++. No hassle at dealership. None. Maintenance easy & reasonable. Lots of room.
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lease - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By kerryindian - January 27 - 10:00 amits the best mini van
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Heaven sent - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Colita - January 27 - 10:00 amI love the Honda Odyssey. It drives like a dream. Its very quiet and has a lot of pick up and go power. The children have lots of room to spread out.The high quality leather makes for a very comfortable ride. In the winter time seat warmers! The one thing I dislike the most is the back door is hard to close. I wish it had a power door, just push a button and your there.
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its the best - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By nes1313 - January 27 - 10:00 amcant beat this minivan its a honda
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One of the best I have ever owned - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By mike vax - January 27 - 10:00 amI have had my Odyssey for ten months. It is one of the best vehicles of any type that I have owned. I do a lot of highway driving and some long trips and I am always rested and comfortable upon my arrival. Being a musician, the sound system is important to me and the Odesseys system sounds great. I can see why this mini-van is always rated #1.
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I love it! - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By Murgieh - January 27 - 10:00 amI wouldnt buy anything else..we love our van!
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Honda Review - 2003 Honda Odyssey
By gary smith - January 27 - 10:00 amA very reliabel vehicle. Rides good o long trips, and plenty of leg room for driver and passengers. Its design is way ahead of its competion The rear seat folding down is much better then having to remove or fold it.
